secretary of state clinton and president obama meanwhile are continuing to stand by rice. >> i still have many questions that remain unanswered. >> susan rice is extraordinary. couldn't be prouder of the job she has done in u.s. congress. >> reporter: massachusetts senator and former presidential candidate john kerry is now emerging as a new favorite for the job. senator collins said she would not have -- that kerry would not have any trouble winning confirmation. >> interesting there. >> yeah, it is. >> signal. >> also, what you are seeing in politics is fascinating. now speculation out there the reason the republicans are trying to derail susan price is that john kerry will get it next which frees up the senate seat and allows scott brown who lost to elizabeth warren to get back to capitol hill. >> chess match. >> who knows. susan rice was working for the state department when there was the bombing of the embassy in africa in '98. susan collins rightfully said, now, wait a minute, you've been in two situations where greater protection was required. so the bombings took place. what